Modern by Design Showhouse 2009: Last Stop

Last Stop: Top Floor!

The Top Floor of the Modern by Design Showhouse was a show stopper! At the top of the stairs was the large Family Room designed by that purveyor of “Sophisticated Fun”, Jay Jeffers. Jay has been noted in House Beautiful’s Top 100 and has graced the pages of Metropolitan Home and Elle Decor numerous times.

His room for this Showhouse shows off his talents yet again. A sunshine-y color palette makes you feel immediately upbeat, and there was an abundance of great ideas.

The main seating area was grounded by a fantastic geometric cowhide area rug designed by Jay and put together by Kyle Bunting. The sofa is another custom JDG design. Note the subtle crenelation across the back. The high back club chairs are from Modern One, and the coffee table is by Paul Evans. The light fixtures were another custom design and made by McEwen Lighting Studio.

Remember that sofa back? Well, it is echoed again in the design of the fireplace surround. And I loved the side table between the chairs: a vintage scale from Coup d’etat.

This one-of-a-kind beauty was a custom design by Paul Benson. Yellow lacquer console with yellow brass and aluminum with a bamboo interior (bamboo interior! All things were considered here.) The art above is Untitled, but described as a “Yankee Septic Emergency” (Hahahaha!) by Gregory Crewdson available through Berggruen Gallery.

I loved the game table and it’s industrial chic look (Coup d’etat). The base was made from an iron buffing machine circa 1900. Jay Jeffers designed the rug to look like a tree stump (Mark Nelson Designs), and also the game table chairs (C. Mariani) ….amazing designs!

I was taken with the design of the Loft steps and how they were also used for library shelving. So clever! And the leather covered panels are barn doors for bedrooms on either side. The chairs are Austrian secessionist elm wood burl circa 1880 from Epoca.

Jay put in a couple of seating areas in this loft space. Kind of a fun little hideaway! Fun faux wood grain fabric on the chaise is from Dogwood Fabrics. And the Ikat fabric on the drape is from Belfour. Interesting lighting idea: lining up a series of spyglass sconces from Circa Lighting. I have never seen this done before.

JDG also designed the Powder Bath which I thought was really handsome. The vanity is another custom design by JDG produced by Metropolis Metal Works (who also did the fireplace surround). The mosaic tile is made from cork!!! (Habitus Inc. ) The other thing that caught my eye was the wallpaper: a trellis print on grasscloth by Studio Printworks. Fresh and fun.

There was so much here to see, I could not capture it all! You will just have to come in person!

Jay Jeffers, Jeffers Design Group

Jay was so gracious and quite dapper in this picture, I think. His tie fits in perfectly with the scheme. He was so fun to talk to and had so many fantastic ideas in this room!

There were two “his and hers” bedrooms off of the Family Room designed by the architectural partnership of Min Day. E.B. Min and Jeffrey L. Day created duel spaces that are young and fresh. They designed a pierced panel closet door in a sort of wave pattern that hides a Murphy bed. Nicely set off by the blue green desk area. Fun carpet tile by FLOR. Wood stool designed by Min Day.

In the “girl’s” room, the dot idea was carried out with paint stenciled in a cloud pattern. Really a great idea for a child’s room! More “dots” on the floor (FLOR carpet tile)

The bathroom was an “ode to green” with it’s apple green paint and glass tile (Walker Zanger) Happy and striking in it’s monochromatic palette.

It was a refreshing way to end the tour of the interiors here!

But there is more outside!!! Surfacedesign is the genius behind the outside spaces. This first space is the rooftop terrace which was decked in an angled pattern and furnished with soft “sculpture”.

The downstairs patio was a study in black and white. There was modern wood paneling installed as sculpture and stained black Throwing Rock Studio created the concrete pads and bench. The white strips in the concrete are LED lights that glow with a blue light at night. Quite stunning.

The space had a very liveable quality but at the same time was a sort of interactive art piece in and of itself. Quite beautiful.

The birdbath was formed out of the end of the bench. It reminded me of Indian grinding rocks filled with rain water.

And one of the talents behind Surfacedesign is principal Roderick Wyllie who was on hand to chat about the landscape design and his company. Do check out the Surfacedesign website to see more genius at work.Roderick Wyllie, Surfacedesign

I hope you have a chance to get over to the Modern by Design Showhouse this weekend….the last weekend BTW! There is so much I was not able to show you (my little camera can only do so much!) And so much more you really should see!

I wanted to thank all of the designers I was able to meet for being such great hosts in the very hectic hours before the opening Gala. It was truly a pleasure meeting them all. As varied as their styles are, there were clearly traits common to them all. They are all passionate about what they do every day, and the enthusiasm for the clients with whom they work is palpable. It was inspiring to see their designs….but perhaps even more inspiring to see the kind of people they are: really interested in the world and the people in it.

(And a special thanks to Cheminne Taylor-Smith of Metropolitan Home!)

Modern by Design Showhouse III: Level Two

There always seems to be great design in the Bedrooms of a Showhouse, and the Modern by Design Showhouse was no different. From the top of the stairs, I caught some bold stripes in one of the rooms. Naturally a curious person, I had to check it out first thing. It turned out to be the “Boy’s Room” designed byMartha Angus. Fun and very cool. The huge photograph of the Rollerblader in the desert by Richard Misrach created almost another “window” on the world. Great textures, color pops and just alot of very cool stuff, like the Brillo accent table from Warhol Denied and vintage orange floor lamp from Coup D’Etat. The rug is from Pottery Barn….so put that on your list of “do-able” interior design!

I love this French industrial iron cabinet from Epoca. The way everything works together here: the dark green wall paper stripe (Kneedler Faucher), the texture of the rug, The orange light fixtures, the graphic wall art, and one-of-a-kind finds like this cabinet takes an artistic eye, and a bold confidence. Martha Angus has these attributes in spades.

The bathroom design is by Philip Parton who worked with Martha to create a space that works perfectly with the bedroom. Note the inexpensive black chicken wire floor tile is grouted with red grout. Nice and inexpensive way to jazz it up! I love how he painted the whole space red, ceiling included, and how the mirror works so well with the bedroom art.

Martha Angus studied at the Ecole Des Beaux Arts and Carnegie Mellon, going on to do projects for Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani and the Lauder family. She brings a fine arts approach to her work mixing modern and antique with finesse and style.

The Library was designed by Nicole Hollis. (You may remember Nicole from the last San Francisco Showhouse I posted. She had done the First and Second Floor Hallways.) How she found the time to do two spectacular Showhouse designs back to back I cannot imagine! She has boundless energy and imagination to spare.

The Library is modern and chic, just like Nicole, and is full of “groovy” accents like the yellow 8-track tape player, and Jonathan Adler’s Luciana vase.

Nicole sourced the “Como” goatskin area rug from The Rug Company and customized the ceiling fixture from Jason Miller Studio. The custom white shutters are a brilliant answer to treat these windows above the fireplace mantle.

This room has a sort of “James Bond” allure and a “Groovy Baby” chic factor that had me smiling . It was quite the hang out at the Showhouse Gala. People didn’t want to leave…so the party just kept getting bigger in here until it was wall to wall people.

Nice work Nicole. Very nice!

Nicole Hollis

The Guest Room was designed by Dowling Kimm Studios. Julie Dowling and Lorissa Kimm joined forces in 2001 after both having had stints at Princeton earning degrees in Architecture and both having worked in the offices of Michael Graves.

They have put together a soothing retreat here focusing on comfort and the arts. A serene palette and organically modern furniture set the tone for rest and relaxation.

Nice combination here: Leather chair, root table, Rosemary Hallgarten fur pillow, Merida Meridian wool and sisal area rug.

Love.

Art: “ The Raiders” by Conrad Marca-Relli and Sculpture": Untitled by Wilfred Zogbaum through Addison Fine Arts. Bench by Chista. Pillows by Rosemary Hallgarten.

We made it to the Master Bedroom after much “oohhing and aahhing”, and met up with designer Gary Hutton for even more. Gary was amazing. He had such interesting stories behind each and every design choice that we were glued to the room. We were literally asked to move along to the next room so the next press group could come through. I won’t be able to recount all of the stories, but here are a few of them.

We entered the space along a narrow hallway that most people would just hang art on and call it a day. But Gary has a mind that reaches beyond us mere mortals. See all the “dots” on the wall? (Well, actually Swarovski “pearls”) Kind of an interesting random placement. Very artistic and all. But then Gary told us they represent all of the seismic activity throughout North America. You can see Mexico there by his right hand.

Gary Hutton, Designer

Gary was such a great host in his space. He created much of the furniture and sounded like he was having the best time doing everything. This chair is one of his designs. I like the contrast between the slick metal and the textured flower petal fabric.. The fabric used for the drapery panels is made from 100% recycled soda bottles and was VERY affordable! It looks just like felted wool.

The Master Bedroom was sleek and modern, but very comfortable as well. The “wow” factor came in with the Artemide light fixture that slowly changed colors. I caught it on it’s pink cycle. When turned off, it looks like silver mylar.

Notice the nightstands: See the very well-known Frank Geary cardboard nesting tables on the right? Originally Gary had intended to use matching night tables. But another set could not be found in time.

Here is where chutzpah in a a designer really pays off. Gary decided to make his own cardboard table. And the story doesn’t stop there. He told us that he came in the room when the workmen were still touching up paint, and one of them was standing on his creation paint brush in hand(the glass top had not been added yet). The workman had understandably thought it was a pile of trash. (We were laughing so hard at Gary’s telling of the story, I think we scared off a couple of people.)

Gary designed the desk in the study, and you can just make out the size twelve Lucite stiletto's under it. Another story there.

The art photograph is called “High Fashion Crime Scene”, one of a series by Melanie Pullen. If only she hadn’t been wearing those Prada pumps, she might have made it to the phone in time.

Mr. Hutton also designed the Master Bath using Walker Zanger floor tile (gorgeous, no?), Kohler glass vessel sinks and WoodMode Cabinets. Sleek and sophisticated.

Gary created a custom screen to divide the bath from the toilet area. Quite handsome I think. Go on….look a little closer….

HAHAhaha! SOoo CLEAN and modern ….and it smells good too! Now do you understand why we had a hard time leaving?

Gary Hutton and Ivory Soap

Next up: Top Level with the Jay Jeffers and his “Sophisticated Fun”, a Min Day Bathroom, and gardens by Surfacedesign and styled by Throwing Rock Studio.

Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse II: Going Up!

Next Stop Level One!

When we entered the Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse, we were greeted by a fresh, yet classic, Foyer designed by Greg Stewart and David Oldroyd of the esteemed design firm, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy Associates. The simple concrete spheres and classic Saarinen table contrast beautifully with the dark hardwood floors. And you can do no wrong in my eyes when you use olive branches on an entry table.

Greg and David were also selected to design the Living Room. Greg let me in on the design concept: “ Out idea was to take simple, commonly available materials and transform them into something uncommon, poetic and elegant.” Taking inspiration from the topography of San Francisco, Greg and David created a sort of topographical “map” of the furniture rising up out of the vinyl flooring covering.

The soft grey walls were plastered with a lime and marble aggregate to provide an aged look in contrast to the slicker modern furniture. I love the pop of the pink fabrics and peonies with that hazy grey. Love the Madeline Weinrib Ikat Pillows and vintage zinc architectural drafting forms.

I loved the joyful serenity in this room. Can those two adjectives be found in the same space? Clearly. In this shot you can really see how the furniture rises up out of the floor covering. This space is really an experiment with furniture and their qualities as sculptural forms. Even if this is “not your thing” the playfulness is something you have to appreciate.

This stool’s “ode to John Dickenson” flavor was clever I thought and added some softness. The thought put into how the table, lamp, accessories and the stool work with the window placement is apparent.

Greg Stewart of ODADA

Greg was so nice to talk with me about the space. I was just fascinated about how they constructed the furniture. He and David designed it all and had Plant Architectural Woodwork fabricate it from reclaimed plywood from a former jobsite. They then had Eco Vinyl Flooring from Lonseal laid over it all. So cool!

The Dining Room was our next stop where we had the chance to meet the designer Jiun Ho. Jiun is a well respected designer, as well as a furniture and lighting designer. The JIUN HO Collection includes furniture, lighting by Boyd and area rugs.

The Dining Room boasts Dining Table and Chair designs by Jiun. The insert “fabric” in the backs of the chairs is really a custom cowhide design pieced together by Kyle Bunting Rugs. Just another example of why Jiun is such a creative force.

Jiun Ho also selected light fixtures from the Jonathon Browning Studios, Inc. and placed them in an unexpected way: He put four fixtures in the corners of the room instead of one larger fixture in the center. They seem like modern adaptations of Asian paper lanterns.

Jiun layered cowhides on the floor in alternating black and brown colors creating a larger rounded shape for the room. Juin also applied dark stained sandblasted wood paneling to two opposing sides of the room which added so much depth and warmth. It is all of these details that takes a room from ordinary to extraordinary.

Jiun Ho

The Family Room and Kitchen were the creations of the stellar Steve Miller. When I met Steve, he exuded such an upbeat force. I can see why he is such a success. Steve worked with furniture maker Ted Boerner in the design of the custom sectional and swivel chair. There was much thought put into the sofa and how people would sit in it: whether to watch TV or to look out onto the patio outside. You can see that the chaise portion is made so one can sit either way. Oh! And I love the Vivienne Westwood Pillows from The Rug Company on the sofa!

Steve worked with WoodMode Cabinets in the design of the media and fireplace wall. Modern and functional, warm and stylish, I think it captures the young spirit of an active family that might live here.

I had to show you a close up of the chair just because of the “fabric”….which is actually a leather that has a metallic finish that has been scored and “aged” to look like a vintage leather-slash-velvet fabric. It was made by a company called Moore and Giles….amazing stuff they do….very custom. You should really check out their website.

The kitchen was also done by Steve Miller, and there is alot to love here. The backsplash tile is a mosaic by Walker Zanger, who has just been putting out the most beautiful stuff lately. The counters are Caesarstone, and Cabinets by WoodMode. Steve used traditional styled cabinets around the perimeter and a more contemporary style for the island. An interesting, and successful combination I think. Love the light fixtures by Circa Lighting as well. And the McGuire stools! I would not have thought they were from McGuire….they are freshening up their line!

I have to say, Steve Miller was so great to talk to. Enthusiastic and fun! I had been a fan for a long time, so it is always nice to think that someone you admire turns out to be so great in person.

Steve Miller

The First Level was a stunner.

Next up: Level Two!

Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse: Bottoms Up!

Erin Martin

I have been promising to get photos up for the Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse produced by Metropolitan Home Magazine,so let’s get started! There was so much talent here that I had a hard time decided exactly where to start…..so I am starting from the Bottom floor and working may way up to the top. There are Four Floors in all, not uncommon in the Pacific Heights area of San Francisco.

The tone of the Lower Level was set by the very talented Erin Martin of Martin Interiors. Erin’s studio and showroom are located in the picturesque town of St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Her aesthetic reflects that casually sophisticated feeling of the California wine country.

I had such a fun time chatting with Erin, and to describe her in a word, she is a KICK! Irreverent and hilarious, Erin’s clients must just have a blast working with her. I took Erin’s picture in an iron swing she designed and had fabricated by Ferrous Studios, Inc. It reminds me of a giant firewood caddy….that impression reinforced by the stack of firewood in the background.

Erin travels the world to find unique pieces and inspiration for her spaces, and her creativity really shines here. Note the quote by Plato burned into the reclaimed paneling on the wall above this cozy daybed….art, pure and simple. She used linen slipcovers that look like hopsacking on the custom sofa: casual and comfortable.

The coffee table, another work of art, was created by a partnership between Erin, who created the concept, Brian Kennedy of The Freedom of Craft, who created the metal work and Delicate Cutters (m.mcguinness@mac.com) who crafted the leather top. Stunning! The area rug is from Sloan Miyasato

This mood-setting ball ottoman and cozy slippers reinforce the fantasy of a cabin in the woods….just the place to get away from a day of dragon slaying in the big city. We really could have hung out here all day.

But ……on to the other rooms we had to go! Erin was also asked to design the hallway which she outfitted with this striking light fixture from Circa Lighting, Venetian Plaster Walls and horse bust available through her own showroom.

One of the most jaw-dropping rooms in the showhouse was this Powder Room, also by Erin Martin. It caused quite a stir and a traffic back-up during the Opening Night Gala! But where else can you mount a HUGE water buffalo head above a Powder Room Vanity but a designer showhouse? That is what a showhouse is FOR after all: pushing design envelopes and creating that quintessential “stir”. “Shake it up”, I say!

The croc skin tile on floor walls and ceiling (love!) are by Walker Zanger. Vanity is by Kohler.

After tearing ourselves away from the Powder Room (and there were several trips back to show the husbands later that night at the Gala….the look of hilarity on there faces…priceless!)….we found the Au Pair’s bedroom.

Erin brought in a beautiful Indonesian four poster and covered it with soft wool blankets and a knit throw with leather tassels. The embroidered Swan pillow is a Martin design and the fabric wall hanging depicts a white peacock.

I loved the unique wing back chair and Moroccan accent table in a little nook in this room. Available through the Martin Showroom.

Erin also designed the Bathroom off of the Au Pair Bedroom using Walker Zanger tile, Circa Lighting and Kohler fixtures. Erin’s attention to detail is truly amazing……….I mean…..just LOOK at that gorgeous floor tile!! (Hehehe).

Erin Martin captures a style that is comfortable, sophisticated, and perhaps most importantly, FUN! Definitely not serious, unless you are talking serious laughter, we had a hard time leaving.

You will also have a lot of fun spending a day at the Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse. The Showhouse runs through July 12 and you can find out all of the details here. I hope you get a chance to see it! The designers really “bring it” with their creativity and truly push the design envelope. They get you thinking. And THAT is what a successful Showhouse is all about!